Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

Le Corbusier designed Villa Savoye in 1928, in Poissy, on the outskirts of Paris. Completed in 1931, it stands today as a cornerstone of the International style, and is one of the most influential buildings in the history of modern architecture.

But Villa Savoye is more than a modern building of reinforced concrete and glass and wood. It is a composition: lyrical curves and ramps lead us from space to space. The structure flows in phrases and long lines. A rhythm is found in patterns of glass that wrap the house, allowing sunlight to bathe the rooms in warmth.

When I visited Villa Savoye, I didn't see architecture. I heard music. Was it Poulenc? Perhaps Ravel. I wanted my images to resonate with that lyricism.

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

Le Corbusier designed Villa Savoye in 1928, in Poissy, on the outskirts of Paris. Completed in 1931, it stands today as a cornerstone of the International style, and is one of the most influential buildings in the history of modern architecture.

#1

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

But Villa Savoye is more than a modern building of reinforced concrete and glass and wood.

#2

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

It is a composition: lyrical curves and ramps lead us from space to space.

#3

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

The structure flows in phrases and long lines.

#4

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

#5

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

A rhythm is found in patterns of glass that wrap the house, allowing sunlight to bathe the rooms in warmth.

#6

Moments Musicaux: Villa Savoye

When I visited Villa Savoye, I didn't see architecture. I heard music. Was it Poulenc? Perhaps Ravel. I wanted my images to resonate with that lyricism.